Totalizer control device

ABSTRACT

A totalizer selecting mechanism for a cash register having at least two totalizers mounted on a shaft. The selecting mechanism comprises of first and second control means the first of which moves the totalizer shaft towards the totalizer racks during each totalizer selecting cycle and the second of which can be set in one of several positions the number of which corresponds to the number of totalizers. When the totalizer shaft is moved towards the totalizer racks the first and second means cooperate so that the totalizer intended for selection is moved in line and into engagement with the totalizer racks.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Rolf l ljorn lsraelsson Solna, Sweden [21] Appl. No. 887,300 [22] Filed Dec. 22, 1969 [45] Patented Oct. 12, 1971 [73] Assignee Svenska Dataregister AB Solna, Sweden [54] TOTALIZER CONTROL DEVICE 5 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 235/60 MT, 235/6, 235/60.48 [51] Int. Cl G06c 15/48 [50] Field of Search 235/60 MT, 60.48, 60, 6

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,044,842 6/1936 Goldberg 235/7 R 2,369,252 2/1945 Robertson et al 235/6 2,741,426 4/1956 Golemon 2.35/6 3,092,313 6/1963 Eberhardt et al. 235/60.3

Primary Examiner-Stephen J. Tomsky AltorneysNorman Friedman, Stephen E. Feldman, Arthur T. Groeninger, Morris l. Pollack and Philip Furgang ABSTRACT: A totalizer selecting mechanism for a cash register having at least two totalizers mounted on a shaft. The selecting mechanism comprises of first and second control means the first of which moves the totalizer shaft towards the totalizer racks during each totalizer selecting cycle and the second of which can be set in one of several positions the number of which corresponds to the number of totalizers. When the totalizer shaft is moved towards the totalizer racks the first and second means cooperate so that the totalizer intended for selection is moved in line and into engagement with the totalizer racks.

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13,612,392 SHEETZOF a PATENTED am 1 2 mi SHEET 3 OF 3 TOTALIZER CONTROL DEVICE The present invention refers to a device for moving any of at least two totalizers on a totalizer shah into engagement with actuators.

The device of the present invention is intended to meet the increasing demands for swift and safe control of totalizers in an office machine, such as a cash register. By meansof the device according to the invention the control of totalizers is accomplished in a reliable, swift and simple manner.

The device according to the invention is especially suitable for use in a machine with a few, preferably two, totalizers on each shaft. The number of totalizer shafts, however, can be varied'and is generally limited only by the space available in the machine.

A known system for controlling totalizers comprises two devices working independently of each other. One of these devices is activated upon depression of a key (representing a certain totalizer) in order to move the totalizer shaft, on which this and one or more totalizers are arranged, laterally, so that thetotalizer intended to be selected will be positioned in line with the actuators. The other device is then activated whereby the totalizer shaft with the actual totalizer is moved perpendicularly to the actuators so that the totalizer engages the actuators. When using this known device a proportionally long time of the machine cycle is required because the first mentioned device must first be set and perform its work before the other device can be set and thereafter perform its work. These devices thus work independently of each other and require a great number of construction details in order to function satisfactorily. 7

With the device according to the present invention the disadvantages connected with previously known devices for controlling totalizers are eliminated.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in connection with the enclosed drawings, on which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing certain means in the device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1 whereby means are shown which are concealed in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 1 there are shown the means which accomplish the lifting and lowering of the totalizer shaft 2 towards and away from the racks and in FIGS. 2 and 3 there are shown the means which accomplish the lateral movement of the totalizer shaft 2.

In the transaction part of the keyboard in the machine two keys 4 and 6 are mounted. These keys can be depressed to select any of the two totalizersl and II, the wheels of which are rotatarily mounted on the totalizer shaft 2, so that the totalizer engages the counting racks 8a during adding, resetting or reading operations. Other keys in the transaction part of the keyboard, such as total and subtotal key, and in the amount part of the keyboard have not been shown, since they are not essential for the understanding of the present invention.

In the transaction bank of the machine there are two coupling members 10 and 12 which are supported for vertical movement in the machine on two shafts l4 and 16. A program slide 18 and 20 cooperates with an upper edge on each coupling member 10 and 12 and can be moved horizontally in relation to these members. The upper surface of each program slide 18 and 20 is provided with projections in the form of teeth. 180-11 and 20a-d. Program slides 18 and 20 are supported for longitudinal, horizontal movement in recesses (only one, 120, is shown in FIG. 1) and by projections (only one, 12d, is shownin FIG. I) on the coupling members 10 and 12. There are washers (only two, 22 and 24, are shown) between and on the outside of the coupling members 10 and 12. These washers support the program slides 18 and 20 when they are moved longitudinally. Thereare also rings (only three, 14a, 16a and 26a, are shown) which are fastened to the shaft l4, l6 and 26 and which maintainthe coupling members 10 and I2 indetermined, horizontal positions.

The teeth of program slides I8 and 20 can be affected by keys4 and6, each representing aspecial group of articles (department). The stems 4a, 6401. keys 4 and 6 extend over the coupling members 10 and I2 and therefore have the possibility of affecting the program slide 18 and/or 20. Coupling members l0 and 12 are resiliently forced upwardly inthe figureby means of springs, one of which, 28 is shown. One end of spring 28 is connected to a shaft 30 which is fixed in the machine, and the other end of the spring is connected to a projection 12c on coupling member I2.

Two coupling links 32 and 34 are turnably mounted in recesses in coupling members 10 and 12. A shaft 36 extends through recesses 32a and 34a in coupling links 32 and 34 and cooperates, in a manner described below, with shaft 2 which is common to the two department to totalizers (I, ll).

Shaft 2 is fastened in two plates 38 and 40 (see also FIG. 2) which are mounted for vertical movement in frames 42 and 44 fastened in the machine. Each of the plates 38 and 40 is provided with two rollers 38a, b and 404, b. A cam disc 46, 48 is positioned between each pair of rollers 380, b and 40a, b. Cam discs 46 and 48 are fastened to a shaft 50 which is turnably. mounted in frames 42 and 44. Shaft 50 is coupled to shaft 36 via an arm 52 which is connected to shaft 36 as well as to shaft 50.

If one or both coupling members 10 and 12, during the beginning of the machine cycle, are retained in their lower. positions the pertaining coupling link or coupling links 32 and 34 can, later on during the machine cycle, be engaged by coupling slides 54 and 56 which are positioned below these links. Coupling slides 54 and 56 are supported by divisible hubs 58a, 58b, 60a, 60b, which are mounted on shafis 58 and 60 which are fixed in the machine. Coupling slides 54 and 56 are given a reciprocal, longitudinal movement during each machine cycle. A cam follower 62, .with a roller 62a, is turnably mounted on coupling slide 54. Roller 62a contacts the periphery of a cam disc 64 which is fastened to the main shaft 66 of the machine. A spring 68 is connected between the machine and the coupling slide 54 and ascertains that roller 62a always is in contact with the periphery of cam disc 64. A cam follower 70 is turnably mounted on coupling slide 56 and is provided with a roller 70a which contacts the periphery of a cam disc 72. Cam disc 72 is fastened to the main shaft 66 of the machine. A spring 74 connected between the machine and coupling slide 56 ascertains that roller 70a always contacts the a periphery of cam disc 72. Cam follower 62 as well as cam follower 70 are turnably mounted on a shaft 76 fixed in the machine. A tab 544 on coupling slide 54 affects coupling link 32, provided that the latter is in its lower position, and a tab 56a on coupling slide 56 affects coupling link 34 if the latter is in its lower position.

Coupling slides 54 and 56 receive a longitudinal movement independent of each other at difierent times during a machine cycle. Coupling slide 54 receives a movement to the left in FIG. I just before the actuators, i.e., the racks 8, of the machine start their adding movement, and coupling slide 56 receives a movement, also to the left just before the racks start their resetting movement. Just after racks 8 have performed their resetting movements and also just after the racks have performed their adding movements a slide 78 restores the totalizer shaft 2 if any of its totalizers l and II during the resetting movements or adding movements, respectively, was in the upper position and in engagement with racks 8. Slide 78 affects, by means of a projection 78a thereon, shaft 36 to be turned counterclockwise whereby totaliaer shaft 2 is moved toits lower position. Slide 78 receives a reciprocal movement twice during a machine cycle by a cam follower 80 which is turnably mounted on slide 78. Cam follower 80 is provided with a roller 80a contacting the periphery of a cam disc 82. Cam disc 82 is fastened'to the main shaft 66 and cam follower 80 is turnably mounted on shaft 76.

At the end of each machine cycle coupling members I0 and 12 are forced downwards to their lower positions via projections 10c and 12c on these members. The springs (only spring 28 is shown) are stretched by a bar 84 which is fastened to a cam following arm 86 which is turnably supported by a shaft 88 fixed in the machine. On the part of the cam following arm 86 which is turned from the bar 84 arm 86 is provided with a roller 86a contacting the periphery of a cam disc 90. Just after a subsequent machine cycle has been started, by depression of any of keys 4 or 6, cam disc 90 is turned so that its lower path lies just below the roller 860. For this reason bar 84 will release only the coupling member or 12, where the teeth of related program slide 18 or 20 are not affected by a depressed key, and the coupling member receives the movement to its upper position by means of springs 28. FIG. 1 shows the positions of the devices just after key 6 has been depressed and started a machine cycle. Main shaft 66 is approximately 10 clockwise from its home position and coupling member 10 is retained in its lower position which means that totalizer shaft 2 will be moved towards racks 8 during their adding stroke.

Program slides 18 and 20 are in their ends, which are turned to the right in FIG. 1, provided with projections one of which, 12d, is shown. A shaft 92 is in one end slidably mounted for longitudinal, horizontal movement in the machine (at 94) and cooperates in its other end with a device (not shown) which can be set to any one of three positions, whereby in a first position program slides 18 and 20 are at the far left in FIG. 1, where the teeth representing the resetting program can be affected by any of keys 4, 6 during a resetting operation. When the last-mentioned device is in a second position program slides 18 and 20 are at the far right in FIG. 1 where the teeth representing the reading program are positioned just below keys 4 and 6. When the device is in a third position program slides 18 and 20 are in an intermediate position, which is shown in FIG. 1, where the teeth on the program slides representing the adding program are positioned just below keys 4 and 6. The device for moving program slides 18 and 20 does not form any part of the present invention and a further description thereof is therefore not necessary.

At the left of coupling members 10 and 12 in FIG. 1 there is a slide 96 which, upon depression of key 4, receives a longitudinal, horizontal movement so long that, at a following raising of totalizer shaft 2, totalizer I is coupled into engagement with racks 8, or which upon depression of key 6 receives a longitudinal, horizontal movement which is shorter than the lastmentioned movement, whereby at a following raising of totalizer shaft 2, totalizer II is coupled into engagement with racks 8.

Slide 96 is, by means of recesses 96a and 96b in the same, supported for longitudinal, horizontal movement on two shafts 105 and 107, and is in its home position, by means of a spring 98 which is coupled between a pin 99 in frame 44 and a slide 96, forced to the left in FIG. 43. In order not to move slide 96 crosswise its length it is supported by steering rings 100, 102 and 104 which are fastened to shafts 105 and 107 and by steering rings 106 and 108 which are fastened to a shaft 110 fastened to frame 44. Shaft 110 is placed in a longitudinal recess 96h in slide 96.

Slide 96 receives a longitudinal movement to the right in FIG. 3, against the force of spring 98, by a cam disc 112 fastened to main shaft 66. Cam disc 112 cooperates with a roller 1 14a on a cam follower 1 14. Cam follower 1 14, which is tumably mounted on frame 44 (at 116), is in its end which is turned from roller 114a tumably mounted on a link 118 which, by means of a recess 118a in the same, is steered for horizontal, reciprocal movement on a shaft 120 which is fastened to frame 44 and which bears steering rings 122, 124. On a shaft 130, which is fastened to frame 44 and which is provided with steering rings 126, 128, an arm 132 is tumably mounted. In one end arm 132 is provided with a stud 134 which lies in a recess ll8b in link 118, and in its other end arm 132 is provided with a stud 136 contacting a projection 96c on slide 96.

A projection 96d on slide 96 is intended to cooperate with key stem 6a after depression of key 6. When key 6 is depressed the machine is started and main shaft 66 is rotated clockwise, with the result that slide 96, via cam follower 114, link I18 and arm 132, receives a short movement to the left by spring 98, until projection 96d is stopped by key stern 6a. However, when key 4 is depressed slide 96, when main shaft 66 has been rotated 12 approximately, is moved to its outermost left position by means of spring 98.

On a downwardly extending part 96 on slide 96 there are two angularly formed projections 96] and 963 which in their ends which are turned downwardly in the figure, are formed with bevelled edges which are turned against each other (see especially FIG. 2) Two projections 138a and l38b on an arm 138, which is screwed on the totalizer shaft 2, are intended to cooperate with projections 96f and 963 in a manner apparent from the following function description.

When the machine is in its home position it is presumed that the wheels of totalizer II are positioned straight under and on a line with counting racks 80. When depressing key 6 the machine will be started and main shaft 66 is rotated in a clockwise direction. When main shaft 66 has been rotated approximately l0 the devices according to the invention are in the positions shown in the figures. After somewhat more than a 10 rotation roller 114a will contact the lower path of cam disc 112, by means of the force in spring 98, and slide 96 is forwarded to the left a very short distance before the projection 96d contacts the key stem 60. Due to the very short movement of slide 96 the angularly formed projection 963 will, with its bevelled lower edge, lie just above projection 1380 of am 138. However, horizontally, the bevelled, lower edge of projection 963 will lie displaced in relation to arm 138 (see FIG. 2). At a following raising of totalizer shaft 2 against racks 8 during a resetting and/or adding operation, the raising being performed by the previously described devices shown in FIG. 1, the totalizer shaft will be raised vertically whereby none of the bevelled edges on the angular projections 963 or 96f engages any of projections 138a, l83b. As a result the wheels of totalizer II are moved into mesh with the counting racks 80.

When totalizer II has been reset, read or accumulated information, which is determined by the horizontal position in which program slides 18 and 20 were set before starting the machine cycle, it is moved, by the devices shown in FIG. 1 (Le. slide 78), out of engagement with counting racks 8a, i.e., vertically downwards in FIG. 2.

If at any predetermined time during a subsequent machine cycle totalizer I shall be moved into engagement with counting racks key 4 is depressed whereby main shaft 66, afier approximately a 12 rotation, via the previously described means, releases slide 96 for movement to the left in FIG. 3. Since slide 96 is not provided with any projection immediately to the right of key stem 40 slide 96 will be moved to its left end position. In this position projection 96] is just above extension 13% while projection 96g, however, will be outside the moving path of projection 1380 when totalizer shaft 2 is raised against racks 8. When subsequently raising totalizer shaft 2, by means of the devices especially shown in FIG. 1, projection l38b will slide diagonally upwards on the bevelled, lower edge of projection 96f whereby totalizer shaft 2 receives a motion upwards and sidewards to the right in FIG. 2 which has the result that, when the movement has been completed, the wheels of totalizer I mesh with counting racks 8 a.

After totalizer shaft 2 has been restored straight vertically to its lower position, after counting racks 8a have rotated the wheels of totalizer I in any of the manners described above, it is again possible to depress key 4, for instance, thereby initiating a new machine cycle whereby totalizer shaft 2 receives a motion straight upwards so that totalizer I is moved into engagement with counting racks 8a. In this case projection 138k will not be affected by projection 96f because these projections already during the previous machines cycle had been set to positions which are spaced from each other horizontally in FIG. 2. Nor can projection 138a be affected by projection 963 because these projections are spaced from each other horizontally in FIG. 3.

If, on the other hand key6 is depressed, after a machine cycle during which totalizer I was engaged by counting racks 84, extension 96d, and thus slide 96, will only be moved a very short distance after the new machine cycle has been started whereby projection 96g is set straight over projection 138a. When totalizer shaft 2 is now raised projection 138a will slide on the lower bevelled edge on projection 96g whereby totalizer shaft 2 is moved diagonally upwards so that totalizer ll is moved into engagement with racks 8.

Above has been described and on the drawings has been shown the way a totalizer shaft with two totalizers can be moved into engagement with racks by the devices according to the present invention. it should be understood, however, that more than one totalizer shaft can be arranged in the machine whereby, i.e., besides several coupling members with associated means, an additional slide, similar to slide 96, and an arm identical to arm 138, must be mounted together with every additional totalizer shaft. It is also possible to arrange more than two totalizers on one totalizer shaft whereby, i.e., a corresponding number of projections 96f, g on slide 96 and a corresponding number of projections 130a, b on arm 138 must be arranged. in the latter case the bevelled edges on the projections on slide 96 must be inclined in different angles in relation to the totalizer shaft so that, after setting slide 961 to one of its positions in which one of the projections on the slide is straight above one of the projections on the arm, at the raising of the totalizer shaft, the totalizer which shall be moved into engagement with the racks receives a diagonal movement upwards angularly to the actuators (racks) which is different from the angle in which any other of the totalizers would be moved if this would be moved into engagement with the racks. Moreover, every bevelled edge on the projections on slide 96 must be formed with a stopping projection on its part which is turned towards the racks, in order to prevent the arm, which is affected by the bevelled edge, and thereby the totalizer shaft, to receive a too long movement laterally which could cause a totalizer which is not intended to be selected to engage the actuators. Of course, instead of two totalizers it is possible to arrange one balance totalizer on the totalizer shaft, i.e., a totalizer consisting of and wheels.

Specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated but the invention is not limited thereto since many modifications may be made by one skilled in the art and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications as fall in the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1. Means for moving a totalizer which is positioned on a shaft into engagement with actuators comprising a plurality of selecting means adapted to be activated;

a first control means mounted for axially moving the totalizer shaft;

second control means mounted for movement of the totalizer shaft in a direction towards the actuators; and means cooperating with said totalizer shaft, when the totalizer shaft is moved from a position in which the totalizer represented by a activated selecting means is out of line with the actuators, which is affected by said first control means so that the totalizer shaft simultaneously with and as a result of its movement towards the actuators also is moved in the axial direction, whereby said totalizer is moved in alignment and into engagement with the actuators.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first control means are disposed on a reciprocally movable slide means which is provided with projections which sense activated selecting means thereby setting the first control means to a position representing the activated selecting means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, whereby the number of totalizers is two and wherein there are two first control means parts of which are turned against each other, and wherein there are provided two projections on the means cooperating with the totalizer shaft, one of which is affected by a part on one of the first control means after one of the selecting means has been activated and the second of which is affected by a part on the second of the first control means after another of the selecting means has been activated,

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the slide means IS provided with a projection which, when the slide means is moved, is stopped by one of the selecting means after the selecting means has been activated, so that one of the first control means is positioned in front of one of the two projections, and that, after another selecting means has been activated, the slide means receives an uninterrupted movement whereby the second of the first control means is positioned in front of the second of the two projections.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the means cooperating with the totalizer shaft is mounted on one end of the totalizer shaft. 

1. Means for moving a totalizer which is positioned on a shaft into engagement with actuators comprising a plurality of selecting means adapted to be activated; a first control means mounted for axially moving the totalizer shaft; second control means mounted for movement of the totalizer shaft in a direction towards the actuators; and means cooperating with said totalizer shaft, when the totalizer shaft is moved from a position in which the totalizer represented by a activated selecting means is out of line with the actuators, which is affected by said first control means so that the totalizer shaft simultaneously with and as a result of its movement towards the actuators also is moved in the axial direction, whereby said totalizer is moved in alignment and into engagement with the actuators.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first control means are disposed on a reciprocally movable slide means which is provided with projections which sense activated selecting means thereby setting the first control means to a position representing the activated selecting means.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, whereby the number of totalizers is two and wherein there are two first control means parts of which are turned against each other, and wherein there are provided two projections on the means cooperating with the totalizer shaft, one of which is affected by a part on one of the first control means after one of the selecting means has been activated and the second of which is affected by a part on the second of the first control means after another of the selecting means has been activated.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the slide means is provided with a projection which, when the slide means is moved, is stopped by one of the selecting means after the selecting means has been activated, so that one of the first control means is positioned in front of one of the two projections, and that, after another selecting means has been activated, the slide means receives an uninterrupted movement whereby the second of the first control means is positioned in front of the second of the two projections.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the means cooperating with the totalizer shaft is mounted on one end of the totalizer shaft. 